The center will provide intelligence and warnings on cyber security threats when complete

In today's modern world, communications
and access to network resources are a vital part of our
infrastructure and our defense capability. An increasing number of
cyber security threats pose a risk to our country by disrupting
communications and data networks at home.

To help combat the
risk of cyber security threats, the NSA is set to build
a new $1.5 billion cyber security data center to help provide
intelligence and warnings related to cyber security threats across
the government. InformationWeek reports that the NSA will soon
break ground on the project in Utah. The data center will also
support and help civilian agencies and offer technical assistance to
the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. Robert Bennett of
Utah said, "Our country must continue to advance its national
security efforts and that includes improvements in cyber security. As
we rely more and more on our communications networks for business,
government, and everyday use, we must be vigilant and provide
agencies with the necessary resources to protect our country from a
cyber attack."

The location for the data center is Camp
Williams, which is a National Guard Training center 26 miles south of
Salt Lake City. InformationWeek reports that the location was
chosen for its ability to access cheap power, communications
infrastructure, and availability of space. The complex will
eventually have 1.5 million square feet of space on 120 to 200
acres.

The data center will need 30-megawatts of power, will
be cooled by chilled water, and have T3 or near carrier grade
reliability. A conference will be hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of
engineers in Salt Lake City to provide further details on the
data center building and the plans for the facility.

The
construction of the data center will employ between 5,000 and 10,000
workers and the data center will employ between 100 and 200 workers
when complete.

The U.S. Military announced it was
creating its new cyber
defense department in June with plans for the new unit to be
operational this month.

“So far we have not seen a single Android device that does not infringe on our patents." -- Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith